Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group initiates special training programme to support coloured stones industry

'The coloured stones market in Dubai is slowly shifting its focus from being a supply driven business to becoming more consumer focused. Customers are now increasingly fashion conscious and they give added importance to design and style and not just the value. This calls for specialized skills which can be developed through training and development programmes. The colour stone identification course is one such initiative in this direction,'

said K.P Baiju, General Manager, Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group.

Aimed at jewellery professionals and enthusiasts, the course was conducted by Jean-Mathieu Mangnay, a Graduate Gemologist from International Gemmology Institute at Antwerp and an expert in coloured stones.

The programme focused on the basic principles of identification and systematic classification of coloured stones and how to distinguish between natural and synthetic rubies, sapphires, emeralds and other stones. The objective of the course is to develop trained gemmologists with theoretical and practical knowledge.

Olga Marjasa, who traveled to Dubai from Latvia to attend the course, said,' I run my own jewellery business in my home town. I have never had any formal education in coloured stones and I thought this programme is a good opportunity. Now I have better knowledge of the industry and this will definitely help me in my business.'

17 students attended the 10 day course and many are now planning to start their own business or use the knowledge to develop their existing enterprises.

Mamta Valrani, a Dubai resident, is planning to start her own company with the help of DMCC.

For Olena Khomenko from Ukraine, the programme is a great networking opportunity as it brings together a group of like minded people who can learn from each other's experiences. She commented: 'Since everyone who attended the course had a common interest in jewellery, the atmosphere was one of excitement and enthusiasm. I have attended many courses regularly conducted by DGJG and I am now a certified Gemologist. This programme has given me in-depth knowledge of coloured stones.'

Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group conducts various training programmes for its members and jewellery enthusiasts throughout the year. The courses include Identification & Grading of Diamonds, Jewellery Designing and workshops on Managerial Excellence, Leadership & Motivation and Team Building.